What Does DNS / DNF / DQ Mean in Track & Field?
Summary
Track & field results often list abbreviations like DNS, DNF, or DQ. These codes explain why an athlete didn’t finish normally — whether they didn’t start, didn’t finish, or were disqualified. Understanding these terms helps fans, coaches, and athletes interpret results quickly.
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The Big Three Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| DNS | Did Not Start | Athlete was entered but never started the race (injury, scratch, false start DQ before gun). |
| DNF | Did Not Finish | Athlete started but did not cross the finish line (injury, drop out, DQ mid-race). |
| DQ | Disqualified | Athlete’s performance was invalidated for a rule violation (false start, lane infringement, baton violation, etc.). |
Common Reasons for Each
DNS (Did Not Start):
Injury in warm-ups
Strategic scratch (save energy for another event)
Missed call time in the call room
DNF (Did Not Finish):
Injury mid-race
Athlete stopped due to fatigue or cramp
Failure to complete an attempt in field events
DQ (Disqualified):
False start in sprints
Lane violation (stepping out of lane)
Baton exchange outside zone in relays
Throwing/jumping foul in field events
Examples in Results
| Place | Athlete | Result | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | Runner A | DNS | Pulled out pre-race (hamstring) |
| - | Runner B | DNF | Stopped after 300m |
| - | Runner C | DQ | False start |
| 1 | Runner D | 10.05 | Winner |
FAQs
Q1: Does a DQ show up as DNF?
No — DQ and DNF are separate. DQ = rule violation, DNF = didn’t finish.
Q2: Does DNS count as an official result?
It appears in results, but no time/mark is recorded.
Q3: Can a DQ be appealed?
Yes — teams can file protests, but the decision is final if upheld.
Q4: Is a red card in field events the same as a DQ?
Yes — a foul attempt is invalid. Enough fouls can mean elimination (effectively a DQ for that event).
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
DNS = Did Not Start.
DNF = Did Not Finish.
DQ = Disqualified.
These abbreviations explain why an athlete doesn’t have a normal result.
👉 Learn more about what NR, PB, and WL mean, false starts, heats vs semis vs finals, and explore our Event Training Guides to avoid performance pitfalls.
